In 2020, the Japanese multinational Sony Corporation will start testing its first unmanned vehicles. The Japanese electronics giant is expanding its innovative approach in automotive development. The company has already unveiled its first self-driving car. Previously, Sony experts announced the idea of a new electric car concept that will feature 33 embedded sensors, including image sensors and solid-state light detection and ranging sensors. What is more, the concept car will be loaded with Sony's in-car entertainment systems with spatial audio technology. The innovative vehicle was developed in cooperation with such companies as Bosch, Continental, and other partners of Sony. According to the company’s management, Sony is aiming to start test drives this year in April. However, so far, the company has no plans to produce its own cars. The corporation emphasizes the importance of the innovative development of mobile technologies, but it prefers not to reveal its future plans. Nowadays, Sony dominates the market for smartphone image sensors, although it is trying to catch up with other innovative technologies. For instance, ON Semiconductor Corp still holds the leadership in sensors for automotive applications.
